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Rugby writer Nick Taylor
March 29, 2008 06:00pm
EXCLUSIVE by Nick Taylor: STAR Force fullback Cameron Shepherd will sign a new contract likely to tie him to the Super 14 club until the next World Cup.
The decision comes hot on the heels of the World Cup Wallaby agreeing on a three-year term with the Australian Rugby Union.
The popular PerthNow columnist - who celebrates his 24th birthday today - will put pen to a Force contract in the next few days.
It is understood there was never any doubt Shepherd would sign with the Force, despite being chased by the other three Australian Super 14 franchises.
With 115 points, Shepherd was the top scorer for the Force last year, including seven tries. He scored 121 points, also with seven tries, in 2006.
Coaching staff and management are pleased that another block in their future planning has fallen into place.
There were rumours Shepherd was considering following in the footsteps of Matt Giteau - committing to the ARU, but leaving his domestic options open.
However, it is understood Giteau will be happy to stay with the Force when his three-year contract ends at the end of next season.
Captain Nathan Sharpe signed a three year contract last month and a host of other players have committed to the Force or are on the verge of re-signing.
Utility back Scott Daruda and front-rower Troy Takiari have re-signed, while prop Gareth Hardy is considering his future.
The club has made a new offer to form centre Ryan Cross who opened negotiations with the ARU on Friday and offers have been made to other props Pek Cowan and AJ Whalley and second row Tom Hockings.
Young flanker David Pocock turned down a Wallaby offer on Friday.
The Force now have to work seriously with the ARU to develop a strategy not only to keep him in Perth, but in Australia.
The Force have put a formal offer on the table for Wallaby and Queensland hooker Stephen Moore.
Moore and the Force have had informal talks in the past, and the 112kg Moore has been talking with some of his former Reds teammates, now at the Force, about a move west.
Moore had approached the Force on an informal basis and is understood to be considering using a release clause in his contract, which allows him to join another Australian side next year.
The Force expressed an interest in Moore, 25, last year and asked the Australian Rugby Union for permission to talk with him. Then-Force chief executive Peter O'Meara applied for dispensation because of the forced retirement of Brendan Cannon but did not table an offer.
The Force are also interested in Waratahs blindside flanker Rocky Elsom and prop Tim Fairbrother, who is currently playing with the Hurricanes but has Australian ancestry.
copy/pasted from: New Force contract for star fullback Cameron Shepherd | PerthNow
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